What do you do if your project's networking is plagued by common mistakes?

When faced with common networking mistakes in your project, it's essential to take proactive steps to rectify the situation. One prevalent error is the lack of a clear goal for interactions. Without a defined objective, conversations may veer off course, missing valuable opportunities for collaboration or feedback. To counter this, it's crucial to approach networking with a specific and achievable goal in mind. Whether seeking mentorship, feedback, or partnership, having a clear purpose sharpens focus, refines messaging, and enhances outcomes.

If project networking faces common mistakes, conduct a thorough review to identify issues. Address common mistakes like poor communication, inadequate planning, and lack of follow-up. Implement clear communication channels and establish regular meetings to keep everyone informed. Develop a robust networking plan with defined goals and milestones. Provide training or resources to improve networking skills. Foster collaboration among team members and stakeholders to leverage collective expertise. Regularly evaluate networking strategies and adjust as needed for optimal project success.

On most projects, a common mistake is to hit the ground running without stopping to understand and articulate the What, the How and the Why? Not having a goal means it's that much more difficult to have multiple stakeholders aligned to move in the same direction and will lead to a lot of chaos and confusion. Creating goals that are Tangible, Achievable and Challenging allows everyone to be invested in the long run and allows you as the PM to steer the ship as required.

To avoid aimless networking, define clear objectives, research event details and attendees, craft a concise elevator pitch, actively listen to others, and promptly follow up after interactions. These strategies ensure purposeful networking, facilitating meaningful connections and opportunities aligned with your goals.

Communication is one of the most important skill that you need as a project manager. However, it is just as important to communicate effectively and regularly, ensuring that you are not just instructing but also listening to what everyone has to say and what they have to offer. Bringing together multiple opinions and ideas and chanelling them in a structured manner allows communication to be concise, effective and streamlined.

Active listening entails attentiveness, genuine interest, probing questions, and reflective responses. Avoid this mistake by engaging authentically, valuing others' perspectives, and fostering meaningful dialogue that nurtures rapport and mutual understanding.

To avoid this error, prioritize follow-up actions promptly post-interaction. Send personalized messages, share relevant resources, or propose future collaborations. Consistent communication reinforces relationships, sustains engagement, and fosters reciprocity in professional networks.

Broadening your network to include professionals from various roles, sectors and backgrounds can greatly improve your knowledge and make you cognizant of different perspectives and ways of thinking. Attend events hosted on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite, company events or workshops, join online communities or volunteer initiatives to connect with experts from diverse backgrounds. Cross-industry connections provide learnings from their own practical experiences that can further help develop innovative thinking, enhance problem-solving skills, yield unconventional solutions and fresh insights thereby contributing to your personal development.

-Provide Value: Look for ways to provide value to your networking contacts, whether through sharing insights, offering assistance, or making introductions to other professionals in your network. Providing value fosters reciprocity and strengthens relationships over time. -Stay Persistent and Consistent: Networking is a long-term endeavor that requires persistence and consistency. Continuously seek out networking opportunities, follow up consistently, and nurture relationships over time to maximize the benefits of networking.